The Inverness Courier

Restaurant's Recipe for Aid to Street Children
Customers and staff at a Latin-American resaurant have funded a playground forchildren in poverty stricken Bolivia.

The Latino Restaurant in Nairn's Harbour Street celebrates its first anniversary next month and owner Kevin Ewings has sent a cheque for £700 to a charity based in Tennessee which provides education and care for children in the South American country.

"I spoke to staff and our customers and we agreed to donate a percentage of all tips to a charity helping children in South America," he said. "I searched the internet and came across Casa de Sara which is a Tennessee-based charity which takes boys and girls off the streets.

"The children are cared for and given an education. Otherwise they could end up remaining on the streets which could lead them into a life of crime and prostitution which sadly happens to many children there."

Before branching out on his own, Kevin was head chef at a local restaurant which won the Booker's Catering Pub of the Year Award. He was also featured on U.S. television networks in a documentary on Scotland's top restaurants and chefs.

Fund-raising for the project began in earnest in June and the cheque to the charity was sent earlier this month. "It's the rainy season in Bolivia at the moment but I think construction work will begin next month on a playground at a school run by the charity," Kevin revealed. "The sum we raised is equivalent to nearly 1000 U.S. dollars and that will go a long way in Bolivia."

"The charity told me it was enough to purchase land and equip a whole playground for the children so the staff and our customers are obviously delighted. We hope to get some feedback on the project later in the year."

More information on the charity is available on its website www.casadesara.org.

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